Thy Rod & Thy Staff
Nondenominational Church
A place to serve, not sit.
What We Do
Church Purpose
Our purpose at our Bible base church is to get people to be like Christ and turn from that which is contrary to Him. We would like very much to lead others to make Christ the foundation of their lives. We would like to show Jesus as a faithful friend, a loyal companion, as someone who will stand by our side when no one else will.
As a body of Bible based Christian believers, we see our whole purpose as doing the will of God so that His Spirit might be manifested in our midst. With His hand we hope to convince others that Christ is our Lord and Savior. We want to show that if we trust in Him, He will very clearly show us that He is who He claims to be.– a Provider who can supply whatever we need whenever we need it under any and all circumstances, a Physician with no limitations in His healing power, a Counselor with infinite understanding and wisdom. We would very much like to reflect Christ in our midst as the Good Shepherd (Psalms 23 and John 10:1:18), as the one and only way to God, our Father in heaven.
Consequently, our Bible based churches goal is to get others to see the love of God and act accordingly. Undoubtedly God wants us to do His will but He wants it to be done out of love. God wants us to serve Him not because we have too but because we want too. God wants us to serve Him because we see Him as He is. He wants us to do His will because we see that doing His will is for out good. This is the purpose of our church and the platform on which it stands. We want to weld together a body of believers who love Jesus Christ so much that they want to be just like Him.
What Jesus Did
‘All That God Requires’ – Matthew 3:15
[When John questioned why Jesus came to be baptized,] Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” So John agreed to baptize him.
Key Thought
Sometimes I am both amazed and ashamed at my audacity before the Sovereign God. I can actually (maybe better described as, “arrogantly”) think I have a better plan for my life than what I find in God’s revealed will in Scripture. Now, I never intentionally think, “God is wrong about this; I have a better way to do it.” No, my self-delusion is more sinister and subtle. I just ignore what he has revealed and say something like, “Surely he doesn’t mean…” or “Surely God wouldn’t want…” However, any time I replace God’s will with my own ideas, I’ve actually chosen my will over his.
John was a humble and true servant. But, John’s conception of the Messiah didn’t include baptizing him! God’s plan, on the other hand, used John, just as he will use us. We need to ask this question everyday if we are to understand that will: “Father, how can I fulfill your desires and honor your character with my life today?” Our goal must be to please and to honor him by the way we live. We’re here to fulfill his righteous plans, not what we think is best or most appropriate.
Today’s Prayer
Gracious and all wise heavenly Father, thank you for having John baptize Jesus. This reminds me that baptism is about my relationship with you and not about who baptizes whom. Thank you for Jesus’ example of living only to please you and accomplish your will. Please fill my heart with that same resolve and empower me by the Holy Spirit to live only for you. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2025 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.